By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The National Universities Commission and the Esports Federation of Nigeria are advancing plans to introduce a formal esports framework into Nigerian universities, with proposed safeguards targeting gaming addiction, mental health concerns, player welfare and ethical competition standards.

The discussions reflect growing recognition that competitive gaming is becoming part of the global digital economy, prompting Nigerian universities to prepare students for emerging careers in technology, digital innovation and the creative industry while also addressing concerns over excessive gaming and academic balance.

The President of the Federation, Yahaya Maikori, was represented at the meeting by Vice President Clinton Agbor, alongside board members Ikechukwu Okoye and Ifeanyi Elumeziem.

The meeting, held at the Commission’s headquarters, focused on the objectives of the proposed framework, its implementation strategy and its expected impact on the Nigerian University System.

Officials at the meeting discussed the growing relevance of esports within higher education and how Nigerian universities could develop into centres for innovation in emerging digital sectors.

Areas identified for possible development include esports research, gaming psychology, digital behaviour studies, artificial intelligence in gaming, immersive technology, virtual and augmented reality innovation, and African game development.

According to both organisations, the proposed framework would introduce structured policies designed to support academic balance, mental health monitoring, anti-addiction safeguards, professional coaching, player welfare systems and ethical competition standards.

The Federation and the Commission also expressed confidence that the partnership could strengthen Nigeria’s position in Africa’s expanding gaming and digital technology space, while encouraging research, creativity and innovation across tertiary institutions.